Enlarge Happy couple: Edwin and wife Annemarie
The wife of Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is seriously ill after a stroke.
Van der Sar is at his wife Annmarie van Kesteren's hospital bedside in Holland awaiting test results.
Sportsmail understands Annmarie, 36, collapsed at home last Wednesday as Van der Sar and the couple's two children, Joe and Lynn, were preparing to celebrate Christmas.
Out of action in recent weeks with a knee injury, Van der Sar had been given permission by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to return to his homeland for the festive period and to receive treatment from the Holland team doctor.
The 39-year-old former international is not expected back in Manchester until more is known about his wife's condition.
The player's agent Rob Jansen said it was 'private business'.
Van der Sar, who is Holland's most capped player with 130appearances, first met Annemarie while shopping at her brother's grocery shop.
They married in Amsterdam three-and-a-half years ago and currently live in Cheshire, although Annemarie shuns the limelight.
Van der Sar is United's No 1 and has been considering an offer to stay at the club for another season.
Safe hands: Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar
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